HIS & HERS TRAVELLED BY TRAIN TO SOUTHPORT TO BE SHUTTLED BY BUS TO THE FLOWER SHOW. ALL SEAMLESS AND STRESS-FREE.
Words: Jean Hill
The time has come, the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings”.
Victoria Park is a vast space, (for the duration of the Show) filled with rare plants, fairy-tale magic and curiosities. Map at the ready, we began with the Show Gardens. Plenty of creative ideas here for small spaces. Ingenious vertical planting from Wonderwall. Macmillan Cancer Support decorated a wall with fine foliage to ‘grow a future for others’. Pitcher plants put in an appearance in a glorious, wildly colourful garden, that still had structure and shape.
It is almost impossible to see everything in a day. A reason to have a four day pass. We had an agenda. We wanted to visit Southport and Formby Beekeepers to bring back a jar of the finest honey for that special someone. The Grand Floral Marquee was a must see and we hoped to see some crafts-people at work. Over a veggie burger and tea: we planned our day. We passed food stalls, allotment planting, sculptures and a bowling green with a game in progress.
‘Flowers from the Farm’ showcases British cut flowers. No air miles, glorious dahlias with rich foliage, ‘love in a mist’ and natural scents. Compelling arguments to buy British. We discovered the Red Rose Woodturning Club. Such refined skill using a range of woods including ash, laburnum and mahogany. Seemingly floating, curving designs: a joy to behold. Moorcroft produce art pottery. Pieces are decorated on unfired clay underneath the glaze, using traditional methods. We watched a skilled artist decorate a plate exquisitely (a flower design) with a limited palette of colours.
In the Grand Floral Marquee we discovered Foster’s exotic and unusual succulents. At the Wack’s Wicked Plant display, that deservedly achieved ‘Large Gold’, we gazed in awe at the fearsomely beautiful pitcher plants. Monty Don, Carol Klein and Simon Rimmer all put in appearances.. So many families enjoying themselves, with something for everyone. Put it in your diary for next year
Images: Judith Fiddy
Related feature: 2017 Southport Flower Show highlights.
